Making a difference at JW3

At JW3, social action is not just something we do, it’s a living expression of our mission to bring people together, strengthen communities, and build a better, more connected society. As a non-profit Jewish community centre and charity, we rely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteers to make this work possible. From January to April 2025, that spirit has been visible in every corner of the building. Here’s just a taste of what’s been happening.

Our Foodbank distributed 140 food parcels weekly to people across Camden. We’ve seen moving success stories, like one recipient who had been using the Foodbank regularly while she and her husband were out of work. In December 2024, they both found employment, and in a wonderful full-circle moment, she returned to JW3 not for support, but to offer it. She now volunteers as a Foodbank driver, delivering parcels to others in need.

We’ve also welcomed corporate teams from TUI and Calla Lily Clinical Care, who’ve cooked meals, packed groceries, and donated funds, helping to ensure we can continue offering this vital support.

We were delighted to relaunch our partnership with The Bike Project, already collecting over 20 bikes for refugees and asylum seekers.

This season also saw the launch of a brand new initiative: REST. In partnership with the City of London Sinfonia, REST uses music to support the well-being of people seeking sanctuary. From therapeutic workshops at the Holocaust Survivor Centre to beautiful live music performances in our Foodbank kitchen, REST is already creating moments of calm, joy and connection. The first session featured the harpist to His Majesty the King performing while volunteers, Jewish, non-Jewish, and refugee, cooked together.

And we couldn’t be prouder of our outstanding volunteers, who were recognised nationally at this year’s JVN and Mitzvah Day Awards. Ruth Finkel was nominated as Volunteer of the Year, and our Wednesday morning packing team, represented by Danielle Simonson, Tibor Gold and Diana Pollins, was nominated for Volunteer Team of the Year. Anthony Cohen was nominated as Young Volunteer of the Year, and Danielle Simonson also received a nomination for the Mitzvah Day Outstanding Individual Award for her tireless commitment.